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Coffee Festival International Nigeria 2026 Set to Spotlight Sustainability, Innovation and Coffee Culture in Calabar

Calabar, Cross River State is set to host the Coffee Festival International Nigeria 2026, a three-day celebration of coffee, culture, sustainability, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

The festival, organised by Coffee Festivals International Nigeria (CFIN), is scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at ASUU Hall, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Calabar.

Themed “Sustainability: Building the Future of Coffee in Nigeria,” the festival is expected to bring together stakeholders across the coffee value chain, government, academia, business, agriculture and the creative sector to explore opportunities for the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s coffee industry.

Among the personalities listed to participate in the festival are Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu; Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives; Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Cross River State; Dame Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development; and Mrs. Blessing Nanman Tanturu, CEO of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited and founder of the Apostolic of Wealth.

Other speakers and stakeholders include Dr. Hassan Usman Kakara, National President of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN); Professor Nnanyeuku Imoke, Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC); Professor Noel Nenman Wannang, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin; and Professor Sunday Paul Bako, Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University.

Miss Coffee Festival International Nigeria 2026

A major attraction of the festival will be the Miss Coffee Festival International Nigeria 2026 pageant, designed to promote coffee culture while creating a platform for youth empowerment, sustainability and wellness advocacy.

The pageant offers substantial cash prizes, with the winner receiving ₦2 million, the first runner-up ₦1 million, and the second runner-up ₦500,000.

Registration for the pageant is pegged at ₦200,000, with limited slots available.

Beyond the cash prizes, the winner will be crowned Miss Coffee Festival International Nigeria 2026, represent the festival at future editions and serve as an official ambassador for coffee culture, sustainability, youth empowerment and wellness.

Interested participants can register through the official page: cfin.lingzhiafrica.com/miss-coffee.

Promoting Nigeria’s Coffee Future

The Coffee Festival International Nigeria 2026 is positioned as more than a celebration of coffee. Its sustainability theme highlights the importance of developing a stronger and more resilient coffee ecosystem in Nigeria.

The event is expected to provide opportunities for conversations around agriculture, value addition, entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable practices while connecting stakeholders within and outside the coffee industry.

With Cross River serving as the host location, the festival also provides an opportunity to showcase the state’s agricultural, cultural and tourism potential.

The organisers have invited coffee enthusiasts, farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, students, young people, policymakers and members of the public to participate in the festival.

For enquiries, the organisers listed +234 813 697 7387 and +234 912 600 9761 as contact numbers.

Follow Coffee Festival International Nigeria (CFIN) on social media for updates on the festival and Miss Coffee Festival International Nigeria 2026.

Continue reading Coffee Festival International Nigeria 2026 Set to Spotlight Sustainability, Innovation and Coffee Culture in Calabar

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WAEC Appoints Amos Dangut as Registrar and CEO

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has appointed Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.

Dangut, a Nigerian, assumed office on October 1, 2026, as the 14th Registrar to the Council and will serve a five-year tenure ending in September 2031. He succeeds Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia.

His appointment was ratified by the Council, WAEC’s international governing board, during its 74th Annual Meeting held in Accra, Ghana, in March 2026.

Before his new appointment, Dangut served as Head of the Nigeria National Office from October 2023 to September 2026.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Headquarters, Accra, Demianus G. Ojijeogu, the Council described Dangut as an experienced test developer and administrator with more than two decades of service.

Born on October 2, 1967, Dangut holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production, a Master of Science in Animal Science, a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science, and a Master of Education in Administration and Planning.

He began his career in education in 1994 at St. Louis College, Jos, where he worked as a WAEC examiner before joining the Council in 1998.

Since joining WAEC, he has served in several capacities, including Assistant Registrar, Test Development Division, Ogba, Lagos; Head of Examinations Security and Deputy Branch Controller in Uyo and Bauchi; Branch Controller, Yola; Controller, Post-Examinations Department; Zonal Coordinator, Ikeja; and Deputy Registrar and Head of the National Office.

Dangut has been particularly involved in the use of Information and Communications Technology to enhance examination development, administration and post-examination processes.

During his tenure as Head of the Nigeria National Office, he championed innovations including the rollout of Computer-Based WASSCE, serialization of examination question papers and the introduction of the Digital Electronic Marking System.

He also oversaw initiatives such as the Digital Certificate Portal, WAEC E-Study Platform, Digital Records Archive, as well as digital systems for examination logistics and monitoring of examiners.

Throughout his career, Dangut has received several recognitions, including a commendation from the Nigeria Examinations Committee for his handling of examination matters between 2000 and 2006. He also received an Award for Meritorious Service from the Ondo State Government during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.

He has served on the boards of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and Grange Educational Foundation.

He has also represented WAEC at the Joint Consultative Committee on Education and the National Council on Education.

Dangut has published articles in national and international journals and presented papers at several conferences. He currently serves as the Regional Representative of the West African Sub-region on the Executive Board of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA).

He is a Fellow of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).

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PLASIEC Chairman Cishak Calls for Sustained Reforms, Stronger Democracy as Nigeria Marks 66th Independence

The chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Plangji Daniel Cishak, on behalf of the Management and Staff of the Commission, congratulates Nigerians as the country marks its 66th independence anniversary.

The 2026 Independence Anniversary, themed “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” calls for sustained efforts to translate reforms into greater economic stability, opportunities and improved livelihoods for citizens.

The Chairman notes that, after 66 years of nationhood, Nigeria’s democratic journey has recorded significant progress, even as challenges remain.He advocated for continuous improvement in good governance, institutional strengthening and the active participation.

According to him PLASIEC as an Electoral Management Body, recognises that credible elections and strong democratic institutions are fundamental to sustainable nation-building. He said Commission remains committed to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive, while promoting voter awareness and constructive engagement with all electoral stakeholders.

Cishak urges Nigerians to continue to uphold peace, unity, patriotism and respect for democratic values, noting that building a stronger Nigeria is a collective responsibility.

He assures that PLASIEC will continue to contribute its quota towards the advancement of democracy and the development of a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State and Nigeria.

Koro E. Yakubu
Director, Media
PLASIEC
1st October, 2026

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NDC Stakeholders Reaffirm Support for Dapal Damiyal as Plateau Guber Candidate

The leadership and stakeholders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Plateau State have reaffirmed their support for Alfred Dapal Damiyal as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The position was expressed at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s state secretariat in Jos on Wednesday, September 30, where participants resolved to continue to recognise the September 15 affirmation exercise that produced Damiyal.

Stakeholders said the exercise was witnessed by party members and an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the process as the basis for their continued support for Damiyal.

The meeting also focused on the need to uphold the party’s internal procedures and maintain unity among members as preparations for the 2027 election continue.

Participants called on party members to respect recognised party processes and allow relevant institutions to address issues surrounding the governorship ticket.

The stakeholders also alleged that political opponents were attempting to exploit the disagreement within the party to create divisions among its members. They urged members to remain vigilant and united while concentrating on strengthening the party’s structures across the state.

The meeting further emphasised grassroots mobilisation, engagement with voters and preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

The reaffirmation comes amid an ongoing dispute over the NDC’s Plateau governorship ticket, with different party structures having backed competing candidates. Recent reports have identified Damiyal as the candidate affirmed by the Plateau State chapter, while Jonathan Sunday Akuns has been backed by the party’s national leadership.

The stakeholders nevertheless maintained their support for Damiyal and called for unity among party leaders, members and supporters as the NDC continues its preparations for the 2027 electoral contest in Plateau State.

By Staff Reporter
October 1, 2026

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Independence Day: Alfred Dapal Damiyal Calls for Responsible Citizenship Ahead of 2027 Elections

As we commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day, we are reminded that the essence of freedom lies not only in the independence of a nation, but also in the freedom and responsibility of its citizens to make choices that shape their collective future.

As we look ahead to the 2027 elections, I urge every citizen to cherish the independence of their conscience. Let us listen carefully, examine the records and ideas before us, and make our decisions freely, thoughtfully and without fear or undue influence.

Our democracy is strengthened when citizens are free to ask questions, hold leaders accountable and choose according to their convictions. Whatever our political differences, we must never lose sight of our shared responsibility to Nigeria and to the generations that will inherit the choices we make today.

May this Independence Day renew our faith in the Nigerian spirit and inspire us to build a society founded on freedom, justice, dignity and responsible citizenship.

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria. 🇳🇬

Alfred Dapal Damiyal (ADD) Continue reading Independence Day: Alfred Dapal Damiyal Calls for Responsible Citizenship Ahead of 2027 Elections

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Court Restricts Akuns From Presenting Himself as NDC Governorship Candidate in Plateau

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By Staff Reporter

JOS — The Federal High Court in Jos has reportedly restrained Chief Jonathan Sunday Akuns from presenting himself as the governorship candidate f the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Plateau State, amid an ongoing dispute over the party’s 2027 governorship ticket.

The development followed a legal action connected to competing claims over the party’s substitution primary conducted in September.

The dispute centres on two rival claims. A September 15 exercise conducted at the NDC’s Plateau State secretariat produced Alfred Dapal Damiyal, while a separate exercise supervised by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) produced Akuns as its candidate.

Dispute Over NDC Governorship Ticket

The controversy emerged after the NDC held competing substitution primary exercises in Plateau State.

The party’s national leadership has maintained that Akuns emerged unopposed from the NWC-supervised exercise and that his name was forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s candidate.

However, the Plateau State chapter has backed Damiyal, following a separate exercise conducted at the state level. Reports indicate that the September 15 exercise produced Damiyal as the candidate recognised by the state structure.

The competing claims have created uncertainty over the identity of the NDC candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Damiyal’s Position

Damiyal’s camp maintains that the September 15 exercise was conducted at the party’s authorised secretariat in Jos and that relevant party structures and INEC officials were present.

The camp argues that the process complied with the party’s constitutional procedures and applicable electoral requirements.

The Sun had earlier reported that the Plateau NDC chapter affirmed Damiyal as its governorship candidate, with Meadkom Dung Vincent named as his running mate.

National Leadership Backs Akuns

The NDC national leadership, however, has taken a different position.

According to reports, the party’s National Auditor, Oluwole Adedapo, who was delegated by the NWC to conduct the substitution primary, declared Akuns the winner after he emerged unopposed.

The party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, also stated that the national leadership had forwarded Akuns’ name to INEC as its nominee for Plateau State.

The conflicting positions between the national leadership and the Plateau State chapter have consequently escalated the internal dispute.

Court Intervention

The latest court development adds another dimension to the dispute as the competing sides seek legal and institutional clarification over the validity of the respective nomination processes.

The court’s reported restriction on Akuns’ public presentation as the NDC governorship candidate does not, by itself, resolve all questions surrounding the party’s ticket. The broader dispute remains subject to the court proceedings and the determination of the relevant party and electoral authorities.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the outcome of the legal proceedings could determine which of the competing claims is recognised under the law.

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PLASU Invites Global Investors as University Expands Research, Innovation and Technology

Plateau State University, Bokkos has created viable investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, manufacturing and technology through sustained investment in research and development.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Best, disclosed this on Wednesday during the University’s 2nd Inaugural Lecture.

Professor Best said PLASU has transitioned from its early stages to an advanced institution with strong capacity in teaching, research and innovation, and invited investors across all sectors to partner with the University in its ongoing expansion.

“PLASU is beyond a baby university at this stage. What we are giving the people of Plateau State is a university befitting of their standing. We don’t want to be ranked behind any state university in the North. There is no justification for that,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

He noted that the lecture, titled “An Exposé on the Global South: 21st Century Challenges and Opportunities,” underscores PLASU’s alignment with global trends in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for investors in the private sector, agriculture and many other areas to partner with PLASU. The focus on the Global South shows you can have AI that appreciates and works with humanity to improve life,” he said.

“With respect to today’s lecture, artificial intelligence, machine learning and all of these are present in our University. We are delighted to celebrate a professor who has worked and taught in computer science and artificial intelligence. The moment PLASU has keyed into it, the entire Plateau State is in tandem with what is happening in the ICT world. We are part of a global community,” Best added.

The Vice-Chancellor further stated that the University has begun producing its own professors, with over ten professors of PLASU extraction so far.

“The tradition of inaugural lectures is associated with universities worldwide. When academics reach the pinnacle of their careers, they present a summation of their teaching, research and community service. We want to open the space for our professors to give their inaugural lectures. What we have had today will be replicated. We have other professors lined up and I envisage we will have two to three more before the close of this year, and more in 2027 based on the ongoing appraisal,” he said.

On expansion, Professor Best said, “When I came, I met five faculties at 100 level trying to settle down. These five faculties are now transiting to 400 level. We have introduced two new faculties now transiting to 200 level, and 16 new programmes about to commence at 100 level. More than that is the development of staff strength and quality.”

He credited the Visitor to the University and the government and people of Plateau State for the growth.

Delivering the lecture, Guest Lecturer, Prof. Luhutyit Peter Damuut of the Computer Science Department at PLASU highlighted opportunities in Artificial Intelligence for communities in the Global South, particularly within academia.

“My choice of topic is guided by global trends and my research field. I have been in this field since 2005. AI has been with us in different forms. We started out and most of the things we were working on evolved into AI today. AI has its roots in computer science. AI found us and now it’s here to live with us. We have to embrace it, work with it and explore the opportunities in it while containing the challenges, especially those peculiar to us within the Global South,” Damuut said.

  • Signed:
    Masara Kim
    Acting Public Relations Officer Plateau State University, Bokkos
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Independence Day: Dawal Reaffirms PLASCHEMA’s Commitment to Expanding Health Insurance Across Plateau

“As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, I extend warm greetings and goodwill to the people of Plateau State and Nigerians at home and abroad.

On this occasion, I felicitate with His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and extend my warmest Independence Day greetings to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang Esq, the Government and people of Plateau State.

Independence is more than the celebration of a Nation’s journey, it is also a reminder of our collective responsibility t

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o build a society where every citizen has the opportunity to live with dignity, hope and access to essential services.

At PLASCHEMA, we recognise that healthcare is at the heart of that responsibility.
Under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang Esq, the Agency has continued to strengthen health insurance coverage across the State, expand access to underserved communities, deepen engagement with Local Government Areas, improve service delivery and advance systems that make healthcare financing more accessible, responsive and sustainable.

As we move forward, our focus remains clear: to take health insurance to the last person, at the last mile, and ensure that no one is left behind.
I equally appreciate the dedication of the PLASCHEMA family, our management, staff, desk officers, healthcare providers and partners, whose daily commitment continues to translate the Agency’s mandate into real experiences for the people we serve.

To the good people of Plateau State, thank you for your trust and partnership. Our commitment remains unwavering: to protect lives, reduce the financial burden of healthcare and bring quality health insurance closer to every household.

As we celebrate our nation, we renew our pledge to serve with integrity, compassion and dedication.
For God and the People”.

Dr. Kwande Solomon Dawal
Director-General

Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA)

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PEPSA Begins Prosecution of Households Over Failure to Construct Toilets

The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has commenced the prosecution of households in Jos South Local Government Area for failing to construct functional toilet facilities despite two years of sensitisation, sanitation education and follow-up efforts.

The enforcement exercise, led by the Director of Enforcement alongside Sanitation Officers, Mobile Courts, security personnel and Volunteer Hygiene Promoters (VHPs), was carried out simultaneously in Iyoh Gyel, Rankyen Gafang and Rahol Kak communities in Gyel District.

PEPSA said affected households had previously received abatement notices and were provided with technical and physical support to enable them to construct toilet facilities.

According to the agency, residents found to be in default were given the option of paying a fine or being confined until the fine was paid. They were also required to sign an undertaking to construct a functional toilet within seven days.

The agency said the enforcement exercise would continue for the next four days to ensure compliance and curb open defecation in the affected communities.

PEPSA explained that the campaign was aimed at eliminating open defecation, which contributes to the spread of diseases including cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea.

The agency urged residents in the affected communities to comply with the abatement notices by constructing functional toilet facilities within their homes before the deadlines stipulated in the notices.

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INEC Sets October 9 for PVC Collection, Begins 2027 Election Readiness Assessment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a nationwide assessment of its preparedness for the 2027 General Election, with the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, directing officials to identify and close operational gaps ahead of the polls.

Amupitan gave the directive on Monday in Kaduna during the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 General Election.

The Kaduna meeting is part of INEC’s six-zone national engagement designed to assess the Commission’s level of preparedness, identify challenges affecting field operations and develop solutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the event, Amupitan said the success of any election depended largely on activities at the grassroots, particularly at Local Government Areas, Registration Area Centres and polling units.

He urged staff to use the engagement to highlight practical challenges in their respective areas and work with the Commission’s headquarters to resolve them before election day.

“The true success of any election is not decided solely in the meeting rooms of our headquarters in Abuja. It is decided in the field,” he said.

The INEC Chairman also warned officials against partisan conduct and administrative negligence, stressing that neutrality and professionalism among electoral personnel were essential to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

According to him, the Commission is building on lessons from previous elections while strengthening its systems for the larger national assignment in 2027.

Amupitan disclosed that the three phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise had produced 10,772,421 new registrations, subject to verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System.

He further directed that bottlenecks affecting the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards at the Local Government Area level be eliminated to prevent eligible voters from being disenfranchised due to logistical challenges.

The Chairman said INEC was also refining its technological systems for voter verification and result transmission, including its Result Management Systems and the recently introduced eEC8A.

He added that the Commission was implementing a “Zero-Failure” approach to election logistics, covering early deployment of election materials, transportation, security coordination and training of ad-hoc personnel.

Earlier, the Supervising National Commissioner for Kaduna, Mallam Kudu Haruna, said the zonal meetings were designed to allow the Commission’s leadership to directly engage staff across the country and assess their preparedness despite the limited time before the 2027 elections.

Haruna said the Kaduna engagement began with a courtesy visit by Amupitan to the Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Traditional Rulers.

He said the visit provided an opportunity for INEC to brief the traditional institution on preparations for the 2027 elections and seek its support in mobilising eligible Nigerians to participate in the electoral process.

Haruna also disclosed that collection of newly issued Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) is scheduled to commence on October 9, 2026, urging traditional rulers to encourage eligible citizens to collect their cards and exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Director of Planning and Monitoring, Helen Ajayi, said the zonal exercise was aimed at assessing the preparedness of states and identifying operational challenges that could affect the conduct of the 2027 elections.

She added that the meetings would also ensure that INEC personnel across the zone remained aligned with the Commission’s Code of Conduct.

Representatives from the Voter Education and Publicity, Voter Registry, ICT, Human Resources, and Election and Operations departments also briefed participants on their respective responsibilities ahead of the elections.

The meeting later moved to state-by-state situation reports, where representatives from states across the North-West presented their levels of preparedness and highlighted operational and logistical challenges requiring attention ahead of the 2027 polls.